Photos: Sergio Betancort
The northern municipality of Haría has always experienced the night of San Juan in a very special way, becoming increasingly a claim marked by the tradition of bonfires and the burning of Facundo. This tradition has been joined for 25 years by the dancing components of the Devils of Haría.
With the sunset, the earliest risers, neighbors and visitors began to arrive at the square and its surroundings, occupying the first line so as not to miss the slightest detail of the lighting of the bonfire. The burning of Facundo and the ritual that, together with it, is carried out by the cultural group of Los Diablos de Haría with their spectacular dances with which each year they surprise residents and foreigners who do not stop shooting their cameras to immortalize each one of their movements. A ritual that reaches its climax with the impressive fireworks castle that makes the night in the Valley of a Thousand Palm Trees even more magical. The party continues until dawn with the most current rhythms of the orchestras that give free rein for everyone to enjoy a night that is only lived differently in Haría.
The Devils of Haría celebrate 25 years
It all started in 1994 and it has been "25 years" since two residents of the municipality decided to organize something different and striking for the San Juan festivities. With creativity and fun as the main elements, they launched an initiative that over the years has become a hallmark for Haría. This is how the idea of turning the eve of San Juan into a magical night where the fire and the creation of the Devils of Haría come together to enhance the values of that celebration.
These two people wanted the group to be made up of residents of the municipality, so they began to propose their idea among the young people of each town. Finally, they formed a group of twelve members. Once the group was formed, they began to define their aesthetics. Its founders defined and designed the masks, which are unique in their creation, since the mold is destroyed once they are made. This decision was made under the criteria of maintaining the exclusivity and originality of the design. On the other hand, the women of the group were in charge of designing and making the clothing for each of the components. Although the initiative and organization of the Devils came from the group, the Haría City Council collaborates with the necessary material for the performance.
In the beginning, the burning of Facundo took place on the esplanade in front of the Craft Workshop, an act that has its history before the creation of the Devils, so no one expected that when the lights were turned off to start the burning, some devils would appear with torches of fire, with the sound of cowbells and with masks and clothing that caused expectation and mystery among all those present. Twenty-five years is a long time. Some have left and others have entered, but the initial history of the Devils of Haría has always been maintained. So much so, that the original design of the clothing and masks has been maintained. The illusion of appearing every year continues, and above all, the illusion of the people who for years have grown up seeing a night of San Juan with the Devils of Haría.